Ben Bullock named Mount Dora's head football coach

By Joe Williams | Varsity BlogOrlando Sentinel

Ben Bullock was named Friday morning as Mount Dora's head football coach.

Bullock was expected to meet with his football players Friday afternoon, but no formal introduction is needed. Bullock has spent the past two years as Mount Dora's defensive coordinator. He replaces Chad Grabowski, who stepped down earlier this month after five years as Mount Dora's head coach, leading the Hurricanes to a 33-20 record.

Ed Thompson, the school's athletic director, said Bullock's organizational skills were impressive. So has the work Bullock has done with the defense since he came on board, Bullock came to Mount Dora from New York and has past coaching experience working as an assistant coach in college programs. He was previously at NCAA Division III Hartwick College in Oneonta, N.Y.

"He is an outstanding teacher and coach," Thompson said. "He is well prepared in everything he does. We believe he will do an exceptional job of carrying on the success brought here by coach Grabowski."

Bullock, who has been running Mount Dora's off-season program since Grabowski left, is a science teacher at Mount Dora.

Thompson said he led a process of sifting through 15 or so resumes and brought in five candidates for interviews. He said principal Pam Chateauneuf made the final decision.

"He has demonstrated great organizational skills," Thompson said. "He pays great attention to the details. He is a very good teacher and, in my opinion, the best teachers also end up being the best coaches."

Thompson said, since Bullock has been running the defense, it has given up 10 points a game less.

"The kids believe in him," Thompson said. "He's an impressive person. I think Mount Dora is fortunate to have the opportunity to hire him."